Aprilia played the starring role in Piaggio Group's presentation at this year's EICMA show—not because of the updates to the striking RSV4 1100 Factory and Tuono V4 1100 Factory, but the first glimpse at the all-new RS 660 production model.
At the 2018 EICMA show, the RS 660 was seen in prototype form, but now finalized details are released. The new model is powered by a forward-facing parallel-twin that's been derived from the front half of the V4 1100 Factory engine. Aprilia claims the DOHC powerplant with 270-degree crank pins is good for 100 hp, yet is very compact for a strong power-to-weight ratio—weighing in at 373 pounds.
Like the V4s it is derived from, the RS 660 is fitted with a full suite of Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC) rider aids with data drawn from a six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU). The suite includes traction control, wheelie control, cruise control, up-and-down quickshift functions, adjustable engine brake settings, and various engine maps for tailored power delivery. Additionally, the RS 660 comes equipped with five ride modes and a cornering ABS.
The electronic suite is adjustable via a full-color TFT screen, which comes with selectable Road and Track display settings. The RS 660 also features the Aprilia MIA system that allows for smartphone connectivity.
The RS 660 uses a lightweight aluminum frame with the engine as a load-bearing element. Aprilia's development goal was finding a balance of road-going stability and cornering agility, paying particular attention to chassis geometry and low overall weight. The RS 660 uses an asymmetrical aluminum swingarm that pivots on the engine, eliminating the need for a linkage and further reducing weight. A fully adjustable 41mm Kayaba fork and shock suspend this new Aprilia middleweight, while Brembo calipers clamping to 320mm steel discs provide stopping power.
After a successful intro of the big-bore RSV4 1100 Factory—including being the winner of the 2019 Cycle World Superbike Shootout—Aprilia has updated the model with top-shelf semi-active Öhlins suspension.
The RSV4 1100 Factory now employs the Smart EC 2.0 system by Öhlins, including the NIX 30 fork and TTX shock. The system's Objective Based Tuning interfaced (OBTi) is accessed through the RSV4's 4.3-inch TFT dash, allowing both semi-active and manual modes that are customizable to rider preference.
Likewise, the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 receives a small host of upgrades for the 2020 model year. The front fender, engine covers, and side panels are constructed of carbon fiber, like on the Factory Edition.
